Maryland General Prison Talk, Introductions & Chit ChatTopics & Discussions relating to Prison & the Criminal Justice System in Maryland that do not fit into any other Maryland sub-forum category. Please feel free to also introduce yourself to other members in the state and talk about whatever topics come to mind that may not have anything to do with prison.

I'm on my way to law and business school, and my husband is awaiting parole. In the mean time, we are working on programs for ex-offenders for both adults and juveniles. We are now researching. Then we will be writing our business plans and grants and talking to the necessary people to get everything up and running.

These programs will be all-inclusive, but they will focus on the "forgottens" of the released--you know, the violent offenders and the juvenile delinquents, etc. Anyways, we need your help.

Please send any recommendations of what we could include in the program. We have a general outline already, but we can use as many ideas as possible. Also, background information of your loved one would also help. You don't have to include their personal information, but a summary of their charges, the time they received, what they were doing before being in prison, any hardships that could have contributed to their incarceration, what they plan to do when they come home, family make-up... Just anything that can turn a couple of "numbers" into people. If we need more info, then we'll write back to you.

Also, tell us what it's like to be waiting. The struggles and the hardships. The ceilings you hit when trying to help your loved one. Basically, anything you want to share, please do. Lastly, since all of this will be going to my husband, an inmate at ECI, please send some words of enouragement. I have noticed that he is beginning to lose sight of our future, and he desperately needs to hear some encouraging words.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated, and remember, this is for all of you. If we succeed, then there will be a network of employment and school opportunities, programs, housing, family assistance, etc. We are doing this for the people the world has turned their backs on. Let's show them that life is not over once the cage door is opened. Thank you for caring.

Also check into the Small Business Development Center within your area (most are located near a local college/university). You can get assistance with these type of organizations on your business plan format, marketing strategies, and assistance with the Small Business Administration.

Thank you, and we most definitely are. For the next two years, we will be working on our business plan and program proposals, and then we will start the grant-writing. We really want to make a difference, escpecially in Baltimore City and the rest of MD.

You are definitley going to need a website for this. I do design them, and have to get off my butt and design one for my husbands case as well.
Also, having watched my husband struggle with release and parole last time, I did notice there wasnt much help for those who get released. For those who served long sentences, they become institutionalized, and it is so hard for them to adapt.They get overwhelmed easily. Things that we find simple, such as ordering food off a menu is overwhelming to them, because it entails lots of choices, and making a decision.

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